PAN DE AZUCAR 87 



suffer harm through that bogy of bogies — Bad 

 Luck. 



Some of the most remarkable growths of the 

 sierra flora are the Clusia of various species, 

 though chiefly C. rosea. This diabolical tree be- 

 gins its career as an innocent-looking little vine 

 clinging tenderly to some great tree as it pushes its 

 tendrils upward to the sun and light. Gradually 

 it envelops the tree in a network of green stems 

 which, growing larger and stronger, bind the tree 

 trunk in an ever tightening grip. In the mean- 

 time the upper reaches of this remorseless vine in 

 a deadly caress is choking the leaves of its host. 

 Gradually the spaces between the vine stems fill 

 up as they expand, and finally the original tree is 

 completely enveloped in a solid casement and 

 soon dies for lack of air and light. As the wood of 

 the dead tree decays, this curious plant grows in, 

 filling the hollowing space and becomes an endogen 

 or complete tree. This Clusia is but one of many 

 plants of similar habit, but it exemplifies in the 

 most cruel fashion the remorseless warfare of the 

 jungle. Here, indeed, is subject for thought. 

 Is there "justice" in nature? Does nature recog- 

 nize a right and wrong? Is there any right and 



